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Fire detected in Spotted Bear Ranger District

TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 11 months AGO
by TAYLOR INMAN
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | August 15, 2022 4:05 PM

Flathead National Forest officials have detected a wildfire burning in the Cannon Creek drainage area located in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The fire was detected on August 7, but was 765 acres in size on August 15. It is burning on the south facing side of the slope and has spotted over the ridge into the subdrainage that separates Cannon and Gorge Creeks. There is a significant fire history in the surrounding area that will affect fire spread.

The Spotted Bear Lookout and Jumbo Lookout will continue to monitor fire activity, with assistance from aerial reconnaissance resources. Area closures are pending, official closures will be posted as soon as they are available. Potential threats to values will continually be assessed. A point protection strategy and checking actions, where safe and effective, will be implemented as needed.

In addition to the Cannon Fire, the Highrock Fire was detected on August 13. The fire is burning on the south facing slope near the top of the ridge that divides Highrock Creek from Little Salmon Creek. It will also be monitored by the Spotted Bear Ranger District. According to Inciweb, the fire will get its own webpage if it grows significantly.

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